Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Aberfield agency to support enterprising Leeds graduates
One scholarship winner per year will receive 16 hours of support each month for a six month period, beginning this year with BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate, Louis Speight, who completed his studies this summer and is now embarking on an online disability services business.
Tim Downs, Director at Aberfield, commented: "We have strong links with Leeds Met, with two of our staff being alumni. So, when looking to support a cause where we could best employ our skills to the benefit of others, the Vice Chancellor's Enterprise Scholarship was the perfect fit. Aberfield is a young and entrepreneurial business and so recognising and supporting the entrepreneurs of the future is something which is very close to our hearts.
"Having met with Louis and gone through his business plan, it's fair to say that he is an exceptional young man and we totally believe in his idea and what he is trying to achieve. We, more than anybody, understand the need for getting off to a good start and that is essentially what we will be helping Louis to do. Firstly, by looking at his investor literature and then by supporting the launch of his planned event and business website. We are looking forward to supporting the Scholarship for years to come.
Vicky Hayhurst, Associate Director of Commercial Marketing & Engagement at Leeds Met, added: "Aberfield's commitment to providing this level of annual, in-kind support will be a significant contribution to our Enterprise Scholars which will not only make a real difference to them but will also provide the company with an opportunity to contribute to new business generation. On behalf of the graduates which Aberfield will support, we are very grateful."
The Vice Chancellor's Enterprise Scholarship, of which Leeds Metropolitan Vice Chancellor Professor Susan Price is the founding donor, was launched this year and provides at least three graduates per year with £3,000 of funding each, including support through the University's business incubator, QU2, and a city centre business address, for twelve months.
The £3,000 funding includes: Hot desk and meeting space at QU2 and the Enterprise Hub at Old Broadcasting House, equipment and marketing costs at launch, a city centre business address, entry to business start-up workshops and boot camps, dedicated business advisors and mentors, work shadowing and placements with successful early-stage businesses, profiling and networking opportunities and membership of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.